Outcome Following Bariatric Surgery in Super versus Morbidly Obese Patients: Does Weight Matter?

Background: Numerous investigators have attempted to identify prognostic indicators for successful outcome following bariatric surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine whether degree of obesity affects outcome in super obese [>225% ideal body weight (IBW)] versus morbidly obese patients (160-225% IBW) undergoing gastric restrictive/bypass procedures. Methods: Since 1984, 157 patients underwent either gastric bypass or vertical banded gastroplasty. Super obese (78) and morbidly obese (79) patients were followed prospectively, documenting outcome and complications. Results: Super obese patients reached maximum weight loss 3 years following bariatric surgery, exhibiting a decrease in body mass index (BMI) from 61 to 39 kg/m² and an average loss of 42% excess body weight (EBW). Morbidly obese patients had a decrease in BMI from 44 to 31 kg/m² and carried 39% EBW at 1 year. After their respective nadirs, each group began to regain the lost weight with the super obese exhibiting a current BMI of 45 kg/m² (61% EBW) versus 34 kg/m² (52% EBW) in the morbidly obese at 72 months cumulative follow-up. Currently, loss of 50% or more of EBW occurred in 53% of super obese patients versus 72% of morbidly obese (P < 0.01). Twenty-six percent of super obese patients returned to within 50% of ideal body weight (IBW) while 71% of morbidly obese were able to reach this goal (P < 0.01). Co-morbidities and complications related to surgery were similar in each group. Conclusions: Super obese patients have a greater absolute weight loss after bariatric surgery than do morbidly obese patients. Using commonly utilized measures of success based on weight, morbidly obese patients tend to have better outcomes following bariatric surgery.     

急性高血压脑出血的治疗体会

本文对62例急性高血压脑出血进行了着重于治疗的分析。脑出血病严重威胁患者生命,死亡率高,病残率高。治疗的关键是绝对卧床,避免搬动;积极治疗及控制脑水肿、降低颅内压;头置冰帽以减低脑耗氧量,减轻脑水肿,促进脑细胞功能的恢复;加强护理,预防及治疗并发症是提高患者生存时间及存活率的重要环节;对出血量多、患者一般情况较好者,作者主张手术治疗,清除颅内血肿,可减轻症状,提高存活率及降低病残率。     

单侧鼻前庭切口经蝶切除垂体腺瘤

对１６例垂体腺瘤采用单侧鼻前庭切口经蝶切除，效果满意，既可减少手术创伤，又缩短了手术距离，且避免了美容缺陷，是一种设计巧妙，较为实用的手术方法，尤其适用于生长激素腺瘤。     

Initial results of a prospective trial of outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Whether or not laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be performed safely as an outpatient procedure is controversial. In 1993, a protocol for outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy was instituted to determine the benefits and safety of discharging patients within several hours of surgery. Methods: The initial 60 outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed by one surgeon in a hospital-based outpatient teaching facility between February 1993 to June 1996 were prospectively studied. Results: Fifty-eight (97%) patients were discharged successfully after an average stay in the recovery room of 3 h. There were no deaths. Two patients required overnight observation and three patients required readmission. Two patients (3%) had cystic duct leak. The average hospital stay for all patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the institution (inpatient and outpatient) decreased from 3.2 to 1.5 days and the average hospital cost decreased from $7,800 to $4,600 during this period. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in an outpatient setting is safe and cost-effective in healthy patients. Received: 3 April 1997/Accepted: 10 June 1997     

Biliopancreatic Diversion: Clinical Experience

Background: Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), by ad hoc stomach resection (AHS-BPD) has been accepted as an effective surgical treatment for morbid obesity. Methods: Between 1.1.1992 and 31.7.1996, 59 patients (54 females, five males, mean age 40.3 years, range 23-61 years) underwent AHS-BPD. Mean preoperative body-weight was 121.2 kg (range 94-160), with a mean body mass index of 48.6 (range 35-64). Three of these patients were converted from a previous vertical banded gastroplasty to AHS-BPD (one patient with stomach preservation). After at least 36 months follow-up, seven patients underwent abdominal dermolipectomy (five with associated incisional hernia repair, one with thigh dermolipectomy). Results: Mean post-operative hospital stay was 13 days (range 10-30 days). Follow-up is currently in progress in all patients. Excess body weight-loss was 78% in 33 patients with 24 months follow-up, with excellent long-term weight loss maintenance. Protein deficiency was the main specific complication, encountered in two patients (3.4%). Mortality was one patient (1.7%), due to pulmonary embolus. Conclusions: This clinical experience supports the effectiveness and safety of AHS-BPD, despite some criticism. This procedure appears to be suitable for patients with clinically severe obesity who will poorly tolerate food intake restriction but will accept long-term follow-up. Careful preoperative clinical assessment and selection of patients who will be reliable in long-term follow-up are the keys to success with AHS-BPD, both in terms of weight loss and reduction of specific metabolic complications.     

Unique variant of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection with intact atrial septum

Summary Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections (PAPVCs) are rare in association with an intact atrial septum. However, the diagnosis should be considered in patients with otherwise unexplained findings of left-to-right shunt and right heart enlargement. An unusual variant is presented, which we considered unsuitable for operative repair, based on findings at catheterization. Developmental, hemodynamic, and surgical considerations are discussed.     

孤立性左肝胆管结石并肝管狭窄的外科治疗

目的总结近２０年来孤立性左肝胆管结石并发左肝胆管狭窄的临床治疗体会．方法原发性肝胆管结石１０１８例，年龄２７～７２岁，其中孤立性左肝胆管结石１３３例，手术治疗１１２例，对其临床资料进行回顾性分析，包括各肝管狭窄并发率，术前各项检查确诊率，手术治疗方式，再狭窄率．结果左肝管狭窄的发生率为５９８％，左外肝管和左内肝管分别为８４０％和８４８％，均以重度狭窄为主．狭窄切开整形后高位胆肠吻合术是处理左肝管狭窄的常用手术方式（５２２％），远期再狭窄率为１７１％；左半肝切除术施实率为１９４％，再狭窄率为００％；狭窄整形术和狭窄扩张术的施实率分别为９０％和１９４％，再狭窄率分别为５００％和９２３％．左外肝管狭窄通常采用肝段或肝叶切除术（７８７％），而左内肝管狭窄的处理则通常采用非左半肝切除术（８４８％）．左内肝管狭窄的术前／后影像学确诊率明显低于左肝管和左外肝管，平均确诊率依次２５９％，９３３％和８７９％．结论二级肝管狭窄是孤立性左肝管结石的常见并发症，肝叶或肝段切除术是其首选治疗原则．过多依赖非肝叶／段切除术和不适当的肝段切除术是遗留狭窄和远期疗效差的重要原因     

Two cases of fatal air embolism in children undergoing scoliosis surgery

Venous air embolism during surgery is a rare but important complication and can be rapidly fatal. We present two cases of fatal air embolism in the prone position occurring in small children undergoing surgery for progressive scoliosis.
Venous air embolism is a rare complication in the prone position. This is thought to be because in this position there is virtually no gravitational gradient between the site of surgery and the right atrium.
The possible sites of entry of air and ways that this may be minimized are discussed.     

Survey of postoperative analgesia following ambulatory surgery

Background: The quality of pain relief during the first 48 hours following ambulatory surgery has been poorly documented. This questionnaire study was performed to evaluate the nature and severity of pain after the patient leaves the hospital. Methods: 1100 patients in the age group 5–88 years who underwent ambulatory surgery during a period of 6months were asked to complete a questionnaire 48 h after the end of the operation. In thecase of children, parents were asked to complete a similar questionnaire. The questions were related to pain experienced during the first 48 h after surgery and to the nature andseverity of postoperative complications. Results: A total of 1035 out of the 1100 patients returned the questionnaire, 94.1%. Overall the majority (65%) of patients had only mild pain at home; however, patients undergoing certain types of surgery had moderate-to-severe pain: inguinal hernia surgery (62% patients), orthopaedic surgery (41%), hand surgery (37%) and varicose vein surgery (36%). In these patients the severity of pain did not decrease during the 2-day study period. About 10% patients had more severe pain than they had anticipated, and 20% had difficulty in sleeping at night due to severe pain. Despite this, over 95% of patients were satisfied with man-agement of postoperative pain. Nausea (20%), tiredness (20%) and vomiting (8%) were the commonest complications reported during the first 48 h. A significant association was found between the administration of a general anaesthetic and the incidence of nausea postoperatively. A large number of patients were alone at home after the operation (28.4%); some (3.8%) had no access to a relative or friend in case of need. Conclusion: Our results show that about 35% of day-surgery patients experience moderate-to-severe pain at home in spite of analgesic medication. About 20% of patients had sleep problems due to severe pain. However, only 5% of patients were dissatisfied. Better analgesic techniques are necessary for patients undergoing certain types of surgery. Patient information and follow-up routines need to be improved.